SX-Key (USB) programmer

The SX-Key USB is Parallax's primary development tool for the SX line of microcontrollers, supporting every chip that is commercially available. Supported by the SX-Key Editor software, the SX-Key programming tool can program SX chips in-system and perform in-circuit source-level debugging. Also at the user's fingertips is an on-board programmable clock. The frequency output of this clock is adjusted from the software with a slider bar between 2.75 MHz and 100 MHz. The software operates on a Windows platform and is compatible with Win98/NT/2K/XP/Vista platforms.

Features:

* Create PLL frequencies from 2.75 MHz to 100 MHz
* Run from USB power independent of the target system’s operating voltage
* Connect to the computer through a full speed USB port
* Connect to a Parallax SX Tech Board, Parallax Professional Development board, or any other board with a 4-pin male SX-Key header
* Perform in-system programming and debugging

Key Specifications:

* Power supply: +5 VDC supplied via the USB connection
* Communication: USB (v 1.1 and 2.0 supported)
* Dimensions: 2.5 x 0.63 x 0.25 in (63.5 x 16 x 6.5 mm)
* Operating Temperature: +32 to +158 °F (0 to +70 °C)

433 MHz RF Transceiver

Easy to use and low cost module is capable of sending and receiving serial data wirelessly between microcontrollers or to a PC. The low power consumption makes this module ideal for use in battery powered applications. This module sends and receives data by AM or CPCA modulation, thus offering a higher average output power which extends its range. This module is equipped with an RSSI feature that can be utilized to improve power efficiency by waking up circuitry only when an external signal is detected. 3.3 to 5.0VDC; Transmit: 12mA, Receive: 6.1 mA, Power Down:11.5 uA

Features:

* High speed data transfer rates: 1200-9600 bps
* Asynchronous serial data (TTL/CMOS compatible)
* SIP header allows for ease of use with breadboards
* Compatible with most microcontrollers including the Propeller chip and all BASIC Stamp models
* Power-down mode for conservative energy usage (longer battery life)
* Line of sight range up to 250 feet (depending on operating conditions)

Application Ideas:

* Remote controlled Boe-Bot robot
* Wireless data acquisition
* Remote signal beacon for adventure seekers
* Remote industrial monitoring
* Lighting control
* Keyless entry

Key Specifications:

* Power requirements: 3.3 VDC to 5.0 VDC
* Communication: Asynchronous Serial @ 1200-9600 baud
* Dimensions (With Antenna): 3.82 x 0.94 x 0.41 in (97 x 24 x 10.5 mm)
* Operating temp range: +32°F to +158°F (0°C to +70°C)

Parallax 433 MHz RF Receiver

The Parallax RF modules provide a very easy and low-cost method of sending data between microcontrollers or to a PC from 500 ft+ line-of-sight (depending on conditions). This device can be connected to a PC serial port using a MAX232 line driver. The circuit isn't supported by Parallax, but it's possible to make this connection with a few dollars of parts.

Features:

* High-speed data transfer rates (1200 ~ 19.2k Baud depending on controller used)
* SIP header allows for ease of use with breadboards
* Compatible with all BASIC Stamp® modules (including BS1 and Javelin Stamp) and SX chips
* As easy to use as simple SEROUT/SERIN PBASIC instructions
* Power-down mode for conservative enter usage (longer battery life)
* Line-of-sight range of 500 feet (or greater depending on conditions)

Application Ideas:

* Remote Controlled Boe-Bot® robot
* Wireless data acquisition
* Remote sensors and triggers

Key Specifications:

* Power requirements: 5V +/-10%
* Current: ~10 mA normal operation & ~3mA during power down
* Date Rate: 12,000 - 19.2 K baud (controller dependent)
* Transmission: 500 ft+, based on environment conditions
* Dimensions (with antenna): 0.9 x 3.6 in (22.9 x 91.4 mm)
* Operating Temperature: -40 to +158 °F (-40 to +70 °C)

BrainStem GP 2.0, general purpose controller module

The BrainStem GP 2.0 is a general purpose controller that can run code stand-alone, link to a host computer, and enable reflexive actions, all simultaneously. This module supports 5 10-bit A/D inputs, 5 digital I/O pins, infrared transmit /receive, 1 Mbps I2C bus, serial interface, and 4 high-resolution PWM servo outputs.

The module also features voltage regulation and low-voltage protectionand an on-board prototyping area.

The BrainStem GP 2.0 is supported on Windows, MacOS X, and Linux. With convenient power and ground connections for each I/O pin, five analog and five digital I/O lines, infrared I/O, high resolution servo outputs, and a 1 Mbps IIC bus, the module offers "plug and play" ease for connecting many accessories, with a set of new features:

• Infrared I/O in a variety of protocols.
• 11 1k TEA program slots
• One additional 16k TEA program slot
• A prototyping area with 2 analog, 3 digital, I2C, Vcc, and Vsrc through holes.
• Module powers down when input voltage of less than 3.2V is detected.
• 5V Vcc ouput provided irregardless of source voltage; 3.2V to 28V source voltage accepted
• Onboard power switch and low battery indicator

Chameleon AVR 8-Bit System

The Chameleon design is based on the concept of using the AVR 328P as the MASTER (client) and the Propeller Multicore Processor as the media SLAVE (server). This is accomplished thru a SPI interface from the AVR to the Propeller (see images to right). The AVR sends "commands" to the Propeller chip via the SPI interface and a set of drivers on the Propeller (see images to right) parse, execute, and dispatch the messages to the various media objects running on the Propeller's multiple cores. Thus, printing characters on the NTSC screen from the AVR's point of view is as simple as sending 3 bytes thru the hardware SPI interface, the Propeller does all the rest with the supplied drivers.

If you're a AVR enthusiast, Arduino programmer, Propeller programmer, or just someone that needs a very capable application board to solve problems and solve them fast, the Chameleon is the perfect tool. You can use as little or as much of the system as you wish due to the design of the sub-systems. You can use it as an AVR system, Propeller multicore system, or tie the processors together, its up to you.

Included with the package is the Chameleon itself as well as a 150+ page electronic manual on DVD that outlines how the Chameleon works with examples of using the media processing abilities. Also, the manual illustrates the hardware design, using AVRStudio, the Arduino IDE, Propeller IDE, software installation, the API, and how to write your own drivers if you wish. But, best of all, you can get started immediately with the

Chameleon and use the included API and program the AVR directly with AVRStudio or the Arduino IDE.

The Chameleon also comes pre-loaded with the Arduino bootloader, thus you can use the Arduino tool to program the Chameleon over the USB port without an AVR compatible ISP (in system programmer). However, we recommend that you purchase a AVR ISP MKII programmer (or similar), so you can use AVRStudio as well as re-burn the FLASH bootloader if you wish to do so (or if its damaged accidentally).

The Propeller is programmed with a simple serial protocol right over the USB serial port, so no additional hardware is required.

The Chameleon AVR 8-Bit has a full arsenal of I/O devices and features including:

• Runs Atmel AVR 328P applications, Arduino applications as well as Parallax Propeller applications.

• Atmel MEGA AVR 328P 8-bit processor with 32K FLASH / 2K SRAM running at 16 MIPS (pre-loaded

with Arduino bootloader).

• Parallax Propeller Multicore 32-bit processor with 8 cores running at 20 MIPS per core for 160 MIPS

of processing power!

• 1 MByte SPI FLASH memory.

• 64 Kbyte EEPROM (for Propeller processor boot program storage).

• 500mA max power 3.3/5V dual supplies (power by USB or external 9V DC supply with hot swapping).

• Mini USB port with USB to serial UART (FTDI chip), used for programming the Propeller, AVR in

Arduino mode as well as serial comms.

• VGA output with 2x2x2 RGB.

• Composite video output for NTSC/PAL video.

• Atmel 6-pin ISP programming port for direct access to AVR (programmer not included).

• PS/2 keyboard/mouse port.

• I/O headers exporting digital, analog input inputs and power (rough compatibility with Arduino I/O

headers).

• Exported SPI, Serial and I2C buses.

• Removable XTALs for overclocking.

Chameleon PIC 16-Bit System

The Chameleon design is based on the concept of using the PIC24 as the MASTER (client) and the Propeller Multicore Processor as the media SLAVE (server). This is accomplished thru a SPI interface from the PIC to the Propeller (see images to right). The PIC sends "commands" to the Propeller chip via the SPI interface and a set of drivers on the Propeller (see images to right) parse, execute, and dispatch the messages to the various media objects running on the Propeller's multiple cores. Thus, printing characters on the NTSC screen from the PIC's point of view is as simple as sending 3 bytes thru the hardware SPI interface, the Propeller does all the rest with the supplied drivers.

If you're a PIC enthusiast, Propeller programmer, Arduino fan, or just someone that needs a very capable application board to solve problems and solve them fast, the Chameleon is the perfect tool. You can use as little or as much of the system as you wish due to the design of the sub-systems. You can use it as a PIC 16-bit system, Propeller multicore system, or tie the processors together, its up to you. Included with the package is the Chameleon itself as well as a 150+ page electronic manual on DVD that outlines how the Chameleon works with examples of using the media processing abilities. Also, the manual illustrates the hardware design, using MPLab, the Our Custom Text Editor Based Environment IDE, Propeller IDE, software installation, the API, and how to write your own drivers if you wish. But, best of all, you can get started immediately with the Chameleon and use the included API and program the PIC directly with MPLab or our Custom Text Editor based IDE.

The Chameleon also comes pre-loaded with the Microchip bootloader, thus you can use the protocol compatible tools to program the Chameleon over the USB port without a Pickit2 compatible ISP (in system prgrammer). However, we recommend that you purchase a Pickit2 ISP programmer (or similar), so you can use MPLab to its fullest potential, debug, as well as re-burn the FLASH bootloader if you wish to do so (or if its damaged accidentally).

The Propeller is programmed with a simple serial protocol right over the USB serial port, so no

additional hardware is required.

The Chameleon PIC 16-Bit was designed to be Arduino I/O compatible as much as possible, so programs written for the Arduino (or Chameleon AVR) in C/C++ could be easily ported to the Chameleon PIC as supported by the I/O headers. However, the Chameleon PIC 16-bit is over 200% faster than the Arduino and double the bandwidth since its a 16-bit processor. Additionally, the Chameleon PIC comes pre-programmed with a custom Microchip bootloader, so you can develop directly with a very simple text editor and set of batch files we have created that give the Chameleon PIC an "Arduino-like" development experience if you don't want to use the more complex MPLab. So right out of the box, all you need to program the Chameleon PIC is a USB cable and a PC.

The Chameleon PIC 16-Bit has a full arsenal of I/O devices and features including:

• Runs Microchip PIC24 16-bit applications, as well as Parallax Propeller applications.
• Microchip PIC24HJ128GP502 16-bit processor with 128K FLASH / 8K SRAM running at 40 MIPS (pre-
• loaded with Microchip bootloader).
• Parallax Propeller Multicore 32-bit processor with 8 cores running at 20 MIPS per core for 160 MIPS
• of processing power!
• 1 MByte SPI FLASH memory.
• 64 Kbyte EEPROM (for Propeller processor boot program storage).
• 500mA max power 3.3/5V dual supplies (power by USB or external 9V DC supply with hot swapping).
• Mini USB port with USB to serial UART (FTDI chip), used for programming the Propeller, PIC in
• bootloader mode as well as serial comms.
• VGA output with 2x2x2 RGB.
• Composite video output for NTSC/PAL video.
• Microchip 6-pin ISP programming port for direct access to PIC (programmer not included).
• PS/2 keyboard/mouse port.
• I/O headers exporting digital, analog input inputs and power (95% compatibility with Arduino I/O
• headers).
• Exported SPI, Serial and I2C buses.
• Removable XTALs for overclocking.

MD22 - Dual 24Volt 5Amp H Bridge Motor Drive

MD22 - Dual 24Volt 5Amp H Bridge Motor Drive

Overview
The MD22 is a robust low/medium power motor driver, designed to supply power for two motors. Main features are:

1.    Drives two motors with independent control.
2.    Ease of use and flexibility.
3.    The 15v MOSFET drive voltage is generated onboard with a charge pump, so the module requires only two supply voltages;
       a)   A standard 5V supply for the control logic, only 50mA maximum is required.
       b)   The H-Bridge has a rating of 60v allowing Motor voltages up to 24vdc.
4.    Steering feature, motors can be commanded to turn by I2C register or input (Analogue + Servo).
5.    Control of the module can be any of;
       a)    I2C bus, up to 8 MD22 modules, switch selectable addresses and 4 modes of operation including steering..
       b)    2 independent 0v-2.5v-5v analog inputs. 0v full reverse, 2.5v center stop, 5v full forward.
       c)    0v-2.5v-5v analog input for speed ,with the other channel for steering.
       d)    independent channel RC mode. Motors are individually Controlled directly from the RC receiver output.
       e)    RC mode with steering, allows speed control with one stick of radio control, and steering with the other.
6.    Uses high current MOSFETs, making a very robust module.

MD03 - 24Volt 20Amp H Bridge Motor Drive

MD03 - 24Volt 20Amp H Bridge Motor Drive 

Overview

The MD03 is a medium power motor driver, designed to supply power beyond that of any of the low power single chip H-Bridges that exist. Main features are ease of use and flexibility. The motor's power is controlled by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) of the H-Bridge at a frequency of 15khz ( 7.5khz before version 12).
The 15v MOSFET drive voltage is generated onboard with a charge pump, so the module requires only two supply voltages;
1.    A standard 5V supply for the control logic, only 50mA maximum is required.
2.    The H-Bridge has a rating of 60v allowing Motor voltages up to 24vdc.
Control of the module can be any of;
    a.    I2C bus, up to 8 MD03 modules, switch selectable addresses.
    b.    0v-2.5-5v analog input. 0v full reverse, 2.5v center stop, 5v full forward.
    c.    0v-5v analog input with separate direction control
    d.    RC mode. Controlled directly from the RC receiver output.
    e.    PWM. A simple onboard filter means you can use a 0%-100% 20khz or greater instead of analog.

USB to I2C Communications Module

The USB-I2C module provides a complete interface between your PC and the I2C bus. The module is self powered from the USB cable and can supply up to 70mA at 5v for external circuitry from a standard 100mA USB port. The module is an I2C master only, not a slave.

The USB-I2C module uses the FTDI FT232R USB chip to handle all the USB protocols. The documentation provided by FTDI is very complete, and is not duplicated here. Before using the USB-I2C, you will need to install FTDI's Virtual COM Port ( VCP ) Drivers. These drivers appear to the system as an extra Com Port ( in addition to any existing hardware Com Ports ). Application software accesses the USB device in the same way as it would access a standard Windows Com Port using the Windows VCOMM API calls or by using a Com Port  Library. Drivers are available for Windows, Apple, Linux and Open BSD systems directly from the FTDI website. You should get and install the drivers now, before you connect the USB-I2C to your computer. The Drivers page is here. More technical review here.

ATAVRISP2 AVRISP mkII In-System Programmer

ATAVRISP2 AVRISP mkII In-System Programmer

Description: AVR In-System Programmer mkII is used for field upgrades of AVR Flash microcontrollers. The AVRISP mkII combined with AVR Studio can program new AVR 8-bit RISC microcontrollers with ISP Interface.

The AVR Studio online-help contains the most current information and a complete list of supported devices.

AVR ISP mkII fix:
AVRISP mkII programmers manufactured from 20071012 to 20080130 has a missing parameter in the firmware. This causes the AVRISP mkII to not be able to communicate with the target AVR. The AVRISP mkII can be fixed by upgrading the firmware.

For procedure details see AVRISP mkII fix note.